A Popular Nuneaton pub has closed its doors, sparking rumours about its long term future.

The doors and gates were locked at the Crown pub in Bond Street yesterday and no-one was answering the phone.

It prompted concern on social media, with several unconfirmed reports that the pub, formerly known as Lloyds, had served its last pints at the weekend.

Nuneaton Folk Club, which uses the pub as a base, said it is having to find a new home having been told that it is closing.

Several reports suggested that Steamin’ Billy was to take over the venue, so the Telegraph contacted the firm.

A spokesperson said: “Steamin’ Billy would love to create a great local pub in Nuneaton but are not looking at the present time.”

Several attempts have been made to contact the Crown’s much loved landlord, Julian Harkins, who has a long history of keeping some of the town’s top pubs, including the former Nags Head, for a comment about the current situation, but he has been unavailable.

It is not just the folk club that is having to look for a new home as the Crown was a meeting place for many groups, including a games club and the local branch of the Green Party.

Mystery surrounds the future of the Crown pub, pictured with landlord Julian Harkins.